Deformable Membrane Peristaltic Pump for Microfluidic Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic systems face challenges with flow control resolution and accuracy due to large size differences between pumping devices and microfluidic systems, alignment issues between mechanical components and fluidic channels, and the need for complex calibration and re-calibration of peristaltic pumps and valves.
Innovation Solution
The development of fluid-flow control devices that utilize a deformable substrate layer with integrated load concentrators and rolling elements, allowing for precise alignment and reduced compression force, and enabling easy serviceability and reduced pulsatility through a roll-off portion with a positive effective radius of curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If exterior syringe, diaphragm, or peristaltic devices are used to induce fluid flow, then fluid transfer capability is achieved, but device size becomes much larger than the microfluidic system causing flow control resolution and accuracy problems
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump components (rolling elements, deformable membrane, fluidic channels) are nested within a compact footprint that matches the scale of microfluidic systems. The rolling elements rotate within a confined space, compressing the deformable membrane that encloses the fluidic channels, thereby achieving miniaturization while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar microfluidic channels to a three-dimensional configuration by incorporating a deformable membrane that can be compressed in the vertical dimension. This allows the pump to achieve compact footprint while utilizing vertical space for the pumping action, effectively adding a dimension to the microfluidic system.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex fabrication and assembly sequences are used to ensure proper alignment between microfluidic channels and device elements, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane integrates multiple functions into a single component: it encloses the fluidic channels, provides the compression surface for the rolling elements, and serves as the deformable element for pump operation. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures between channels and pumping elements, as they are inherently aligned through the membrane structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a deformable membrane as a flexible shell allows for tolerance compensation during assembly. The membrane's flexibility accommodates minor misalignments between components, reducing the stringency of alignment requirements while maintaining proper fluidic connectivity and pumping function.
3Ease of operation
If rolling elements are used in peristaltic devices, then fluid flow control is achieved, but alignment between rolling elements and fluidic channels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable membrane acts as a flexible intermediary that connects the rolling elements to the fluidic channels. As the rolling elements rotate and compress the membrane, the membrane's flexibility ensures continuous contact and force transmission to the fluid, eliminating the need for precise alignment between the rolling elements and the channel geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of compression force parameters applied by the rolling elements on the deformable membrane. By optimizing the compression force, the pump achieves effective fluid flow control without requiring precise alignment, as the force can be tuned to ensure adequate contact and deformation of the membrane for pumping action.
4Productivity
If peristaltic pumps are designed for fluid transfer, then pumping capability is achieved, but pulsatile flow is generated through the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The peristaltic pump inherently operates through periodic compression and relaxation cycles as the rolling elements rotate around the deformable membrane. This periodic action creates the pumping motion that transfers fluid, with each rotation cycle producing a complete pump cycle that moves fluid from inlet to outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable membrane is pre-compressed by the rolling elements before fluid discharge occurs. This preliminary compression builds pressure and prepares the fluid for controlled release, smoothing out the pulsatile effects by ensuring that fluid is progressively pushed through the conduit rather than released in abrupt pulses.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These devices provide improved flow control efficiency, user-friendliness, and reduced pulsatility, allowing for more precise and efficient fluid transfer and control in microfluidic applications with simplified maintenance and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid-flow control devices described herein are generally operated by a peristaltic motion to move a fluid through a conduit.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are fluid-flow control devices for transferring a fluid from a place to another and/or controlling a fluid flow. In some embodiments, fluid-flow control devices described herein can be used as pumping devices to transfer a fluid by peristaltic motion and/or as valve devices to control fluid flow for various applications, e.g., in a microfluidic platform.